Oral Care Implement and Oral Care System

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is oral care implement, comprising: a handle connected to a head at an end and an affixion device at the other end via a hinge; the handle is rotatable relative to the affixion device, when the affixion device affixes the oral care implement to a horizontal surface, the hinge stably supports the head at a predetermined position relative to the surface. Another disclosed oral care implement comprises an affixion device connected to the handle via a bi-stable hinge. Further disclosed is an oral care system, comprising: a first device comprising a handle connected to a head at an end; and a second device comprising an affixion device for affixing the second device to a horizontal surface, a connector detachably connectable to the first device, and a hinge connecting the affixion device to the connector. The head in any of the foregoing configurations comprises at least one oral care element.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to an oral care implement and to an oralcare system.

It is known to provide dentifrice, such as toothpaste, in a tube havingan opening through which the dentifrice is dispensable. In order todispense the dentifrice from the tube onto the head of an oral careimplement, such as a toothbrush, a user has to align the head of theoral care implement with the opening of the tube and squeeze the tubewhile at the same time holding the oral care implement steady. Carryingout these processes simultaneously can be difficult or impossible forsome users, such as children, individuals with disabilities, and otherswho are challenged by low strength, coordination or motor control in thefingers, hands or arms.

There is a need for an oral care implement that helps a user dispensedentifrice onto a head of the oral care implement. There is a need foran oral care system that helps a user dispense dentifrice onto a head ofan oral care implement.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention provides a first oral careimplement, comprising: a handle; a head at an end of the handle, thehead comprising at least one oral care element; and an affixion deviceconnected to the handle via a hinge, wherein the affixion device is foraffixing the oral care implement to a horizontal surface; wherein thehinge is configured so that the handle is rotatable relative to theaffixion device to a position at which, when the affixion device affixesthe oral care implement to a horizontal surface, the hinge stablysupports the head at a predetermined position relative to the horizontalsurface.

Optionally, the hinge is configured so that the handle is rotatablerelative to the affixion device to a position at which, when theaffixion device affixes the oral care implement to the horizontalsurface, the hinge stably supports the head at a predetermined positionrelative to the horizontal surface with a longitudinal axis of thehandle at a predetermined angle to the horizontal surface.

Optionally, the hinge is configured so that the handle is rotatablerelative to the affixion device to a position at which, when theaffixion device affixes the oral care implement to the horizontalsurface, the hinge stably supports the head at a predetermined positionrelative to the horizontal surface with the longitudinal axis of thehandle substantially orthogonal to the horizontal surface.

Optionally, the hinge is configured so that the handle is rotatablerelative to the affixion device to a position at which, when theaffixion device affixes the oral care implement to the horizontalsurface, the hinge stably supports the head at a predetermined positionrelative to the horizontal surface with the longitudinal axis of thehandle substantially parallel to the horizontal surface.

Optionally, when the handle is at the position relative to the affixiondevice at which the hinge stably supports the head at a predeterminedposition relative to the horizontal surface with the longitudinal axisof the handle substantially orthogonal to the horizontal surface, thehandle is at a first position relative to the affixion device, and whenthe handle is at the position relative to the affixion device at whichthe hinge stably supports the head at a predetermined position relativeto the horizontal surface with the longitudinal axis of the handlesubstantially parallel to the horizontal surface, the handle is at asecond position relative to the affixion device, wherein the hinge isconfigured to permit relative rotation of the handle and the affixiondevice over only a predetermined finite angle. Further optionally, thepredetermined finite angle is between 40 and 140 degrees. Still furtheroptionally, the predetermined finite angle is between 80 and 100degrees.

Optionally, the affixion device comprises a suction cup defining achamber and comprising a rim defining an opening of the chamber, and thehinge is configured so that the handle is rotatable relative to thesuction cup to a position at which, when the rim is affixed to thehorizontal surface through the provision of lower pressure inside thechamber than outside the chamber, the hinge stably supports the head ata predetermined position relative to the horizontal surface.

Optionally, the head has a first side and a second side opposite thefirst side, the at least one oral care element is located at the firstside of the head, and the hinge is configured so that the handle isrotatable relative to the affixion device to a position at which, whenthe affixion device affixes the oral care implement to a horizontalsurface, the hinge stably supports the head at a predetermined positionrelative to the horizontal surface with the second side of the headfacing the horizontal surface.

Optionally, the handle is freely rotatable relative to the affixiondevice between the position and another position.

Optionally, a first force required to rotate the handle relative to theaffixion device from the position to another position is greater than asecond force required to rotate the handle relative to the affixiondevice from the other position to the position.

Optionally, the hinge is a bi-stable hinge.

Optionally, the predetermined position is above and away from thehorizontal surface.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a second oral careimplement, comprising: a handle; a head at an end of the handle, thehead comprising at least one oral care element; and an affixion deviceconnected to the handle via a bi-stable hinge, wherein the affixiondevice is for affixing the oral care implement to a horizontal surface.

Optionally, the hinge is configured so that the handle is rotatablerelative to the affixion device to a position at which, when theaffixion device affixes the oral care implement to a horizontal surface,the hinge stably supports the head at a predetermined position relativeto the horizontal surface.

Optionally, the hinge is configured so that the handle is rotatablerelative to the affixion device to a first position at which, when theaffixion device affixes the oral care implement to the horizontalsurface, the hinge stably supports the head at a predetermined positionrelative to the horizontal surface with a longitudinal axis of thehandle substantially orthogonal to the horizontal surface, and so thatthe handle is rotatable relative to the affixion device to a secondposition at which, when the affixion device affixes the oral careimplement to the horizontal surface, the hinge stably supports the headat a predetermined position relative to the horizontal surface with thelongitudinal axis of the handle substantially parallel to the horizontalsurface.

Optionally, the head has a first side and a second side opposite thefirst side, the at least one oral care element is located on the firstside of the head, and the hinge is configured so that the handle isrotatable relative to the suction cup to a position at which, when theaffixion device affixes the oral care implement to the horizontalsurface, the hinge stably supports the head at a predetermined positionrelative to the horizontal surface with the second side of the headfacing the horizontal surface.

Optionally, the predetermined position is above and away from thehorizontal surface.

Optionally, in either of the first and second oral care implements, thehinge is configured to permit relative rotation of the handle and theaffixion device over only a predetermined finite angle of between 40 and140 degrees. Further optionally, the predetermined finite angle isbetween 80 and 100 degrees.

Optionally, in either of the first and second oral care implements, thehandle is unitary with all of the hinge. Alternatively, the hinge maycomprise separate components assembled together.

Optionally, in either of the first and second oral care implements, thehandle has a longitudinal axis, the hinge is at a first longitudinal endof the handle, and the head is at a second longitudinal end of thehandle.

Optionally, in either of the first and second oral care implements, afirst distance between the hinge and the affixion device is less than50% of a second distance between the hinge and the head. Furtheroptionally, the first distance is less 25% of the second distance.

Optionally, in either of the first and second oral care implements, theoral care implement is a toothbrush.

Optionally, in either of the first and second oral care implements, theaffixion device comprises a suction cup. Further optionally, the suctioncup defines a chamber and comprises a rim defining an opening of thechamber, and the hinge is configured so that the handle is rotatablerelative to the suction cup to a position at which, when the rim liesfully on the horizontal surface, the hinge stably supports the head at apredetermined position relative to the horizontal surface. Alternativelyor additionally, the affixion device comprises an adhesive pad.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an oral caresystem, comprising: a first device comprising a handle and a head at anend of the handle, the head comprising at least one oral care element;and a second device comprising an affixion device for affixing thesecond device to a horizontal surface, a connector detachablyconnectable to the first device, and a hinge connecting the affixiondevice to the connector.

Optionally, the handle has a longitudinal axis, the connector isdetachably connectable to a first longitudinal end of the handle, andthe head is at a second longitudinal end of the handle.

Optionally, the hinge is configured so that, when the connector isconnected to the first device, the handle is rotatable relative to theaffixion device to a position at which, when the affixion device affixesthe oral care implement to a horizontal surface, the hinge stablysupports the head at a predetermined position relative to the horizontalsurface.

Optionally, the hinge is configured so that, when the connector isconnected to the first device, the handle is rotatable relative to theaffixion device to a position at which, when the affixion device affixesthe oral care implement to the horizontal surface, the hinge stablysupports the head at a predetermined position relative to the horizontalsurface with a longitudinal axis of the handle at a predetermined angleto the horizontal surface.

Optionally, the hinge is configured so that, when the connector isconnected to the first device, the handle is rotatable relative to theaffixion device to a position at which, when the affixion device affixesthe oral care implement to the horizontal surface, the hinge stablysupports the head at a predetermined position relative to the horizontalsurface with the longitudinal axis of the handle substantiallyorthogonal to the horizontal surface.

Optionally, the hinge is configured so that, when the connector isconnected to the first device, the handle is rotatable relative to theaffixion device to a position at which, when the affixion device affixesthe oral care implement to the horizontal surface, the hinge stablysupports the head at a predetermined position relative to the horizontalsurface with the longitudinal axis of the handle substantially parallelto the horizontal surface.

Optionally, the affixion device comprises a suction cup defining achamber and comprising a rim defining an opening of the chamber, and thehinge is configured so that, when the connector is connected to thefirst device, the handle is rotatable relative to the suction cup to aposition at which, when the rim is affixed to the horizontal surfacethrough the provision of lower pressure inside the chamber than outsidethe chamber, the hinge stably supports the head at a predeterminedposition relative to the horizontal surface.

Optionally, the head has a first side and a second side opposite thefirst side, the at least one oral care element is located at the firstside of the head, and the hinge is configured so that, when theconnector is connected to the first device, the handle is rotatablerelative to the affixion device to a position at which, when theaffixion device affixes the oral care implement to a horizontal surface,the hinge stably supports the head at a predetermined position relativeto the horizontal surface with the second side of the head facing thehorizontal surface.

Optionally, the predetermined position is above and away from thehorizontal surface.

Optionally, when the connector is connected to the first device, thehandle is freely rotatable relative to the affixion device between theposition and another position.

Optionally, when the connector is connected to the first device, a firstforce required to rotate the handle relative to the affixion device fromthe position to a second position is greater than a second forcerequired to rotate the handle relative to the affixion device from thesecond position to the position.

Optionally, the hinge is a bi-stable hinge.

Optionally, when the connector is connected to the first device, thehinge is configured to permit relative rotation of the handle and theaffixion device over only a predetermined finite angle of between 40 and140 degrees. Further optionally, the predetermined finite angle isbetween 80 and 100 degrees.

Optionally, the first device is a toothbrush.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a side profile view of an oral care implement according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a handle thereofat a first position relative to a suction cup thereof;

FIG. 2 shows a side profile view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1with the handle at a second position relative to the suction cup;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the oral care implement of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a side profile view of an oral care implement according toanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a handlethereof at a first position relative to a suction cup thereof;

FIG. 5 shows a side profile view of the oral care implement of FIG. 4with the handle at a second position relative to the suction cup; and

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the oral care implement of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each andevery value that is within the range. Any value within the range can beselected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references citedherein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In theevent of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and thatof a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

In the following description, each of the exemplary embodiments of theoral care implement of the invention comprises a manually-operated oralcare implement, more specifically a manually-operated toothbrush.However, in variations to these embodiments, the oral care implementcould instead comprise a powered toothbrush wherein one or more oralcare elements provided to the head of the implement are drivable so asto be moved relative to the handle of the implement. In still furtherembodiments, the oral care implement could instead comprise other formsof oral care implement, such as a soft-tissue cleaner, a tooth polisher,an interdental brush, a tongue scraper, or another implement designedfor oral care. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilised, and that structural and functional modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate an oral care implement, in this case atoothbrush, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, generally designated with the reference numeral 1. Thetoothbrush 1 generally comprises a head 180, a handle 150, a hinge 300and an affixion device 400, comprising a suction cup 400, for affixingthe oral care implement 1 to a horizontal surface, each of which isdescribed in more detail below.

The toothbrush 1 has a body 110 comprising a handle portion 120, a headportion 140 and a neck portion 130 that connects the handle portion 120to the head portion 140. The head portion 140 is an end portion of thebody 110 and is provided with oral care elements 200 for cleaning orpolishing surfaces in a user's mouth, such as surfaces of their teeth.In FIGS. 1 to 3, the oral care elements 200 are illustrated as a simpleblock for clarity. However, it will be appreciated that, in reality, theoral care elements 200 comprise a plurality of individually identifiableoral care elements.

In this embodiment, the oral care elements comprise a plurality of toothcleaning elements, preferably a plurality of flexible, nylon bristlesarranged in tufts. However, in variations to this embodiment, the oralcare elements may additionally or alternatively comprise at least one ofany one or more of the following, without limitation: bristles, rigidbristles, flexible bristles, filament bristles, fibre bristles, nylonbristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions,elastomeric elements, flexible polymer protrusions, co-extrudedfilaments, flag bristles, crimped bristles, anti-bacterial bristles andcombinations thereof and/or structures containing such materials orcombinations.

The head 180 of the toothbrush 1 comprises the head portion 140 of thebody 110, the oral care elements 200, and a resilient material 160, eachof which is described in more detail below. The handle 150 of thetoothbrush 1 comprises the handle and neck portions 120, 130 of the body110 and the thumb and rear grips 125, 127 discussed below. In variationsin which the thumb and rear grips 125, 127 are omitted and/or additionalgrips are provided. The toothbrush 1 further has a neck 135 that is partof the handle 150 and comprises the neck portion 130 of the body 110.

The head portion 140 has a first, proximal end 141 and a second, distalend 142. The proximal and distal ends 141, 142 of the head portion 140form respective proximal and distal ends 181, 182 of the head 180. Thehandle portion 120 has a first, proximal end 121 and a second, distalend 122. The neck portion 130 connects the distal end 122 of the handleportion 120 to the proximal end 141 of the head portion 140. The neckportion 130 is generally of a narrower cross sectional area than atleast the distal end 122 of the handle portion 120 and, in someembodiments, the neck portion 130 is generally of a narrower crosssectional area than all of the handle portion 120. The neck portion 130has a first, proximal end 131 and a second, distal end 132. The proximalend 121 of the handle portion 120 and the distal end 132 of the neckportion 130 form respective proximal and distal ends 151, 152 of thehandle 150.

The handle 150 provides the user with a mechanism by which he/she canreadily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 1, includes ergonomicfeatures which provide a high degree of control for the user whilemaintaining comfort, and may be formed of many different shapes and witha variety of constructions. Generally, the toothbrush 1 extends from aproximal end 101 (which is also the proximal end 121 of the handleportion 120) to a distal end 102 (which is also the distal end 142 ofthe head portion 140). Also, generally, the handle 150 extends from itsproximal end 151 to its distal end 152 along a longitudinal axis A-A.The proximal and distal ends 151, 152 of the handle 150 are alsoreferred to herein as first and second longitudinal ends 151, 152,respectively, of the handle 150. The head 180 is located at the secondlongitudinal end 152 of the handle 150, while the hinge 300 is at thefirst longitudinal end 151 of the handle 150, as will be described inmore detail below.

Although the handle 150 is a non-linear structure in the illustratedembodiment, the longitudinal axis A-A of the handle 150 is linear in theillustrated embodiment. However, the invention is not so limited, and incertain embodiments the toothbrush 1 may have a simple linear handle 150that is longitudinally aligned along the linear longitudinal axis A-A.

The head portion 140 is connected to the handle portion 120 via the neckportion 130. In this embodiment, the head portion 140, neck portion 130and handle portion 120 are formed as an integral structure using aninjection molding process. The head portion 140, handle portion 120 andneck portion 130 are together a single, unitary structure. That is, thebody 110 is a unitary body. However, in other embodiments, the headportion 140 and the neck portion 130 together may be formed as aseparate component from the handle portion 120, which separatecomponents are operably connected at a later stage of the manufacturingprocess by any suitable technique known in the art, including withoutlimitation thermal welding, sonic welding, a tight-fit assembly, acoupling sleeve, adhesion, fasteners, and a snap-fit connection. Whetherthe head and neck portions 140, 130 and the handle portion 120 areconstructed as a single piece or a multi-piece assembly (includingconnection techniques) is not limiting of the present invention in allembodiments. Furthermore, other manufacturing techniques may be used inplace of and/or in addition to injection molding to create the handleportion 120 and/or the head portion 140 (or components thereof) and/orthe neck portion 130, such as milling and/or machining and/or additivemanufacturing.

In this embodiment, the body 110 comprising each of the head portion140, neck portion 130 and handle portion 120 is constructed ofpolypropylene (PP). However, in variations to this embodiment, the body110 may instead or additionally be constructed of one or more of thefollowing materials: polyethylene, polyamide, polyester, cellulosics,styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS) and a thermoplastic. Preferably, the body 110 is of a materialthat is harder than the resilient material 160. An optional thumb grip125 is provided on a front side of the handle portion 120, and anoptional rear grip 127 is provided on a rear side of the handle portion120 opposite to the front side of the handle portion 120. The thumb andrear grips 125, 127 are non-unitary with the body 110, and may be formedof any of the materials discussed below for the resilient material 160.

The head 180 generally comprises a first side 183 and a second side 184opposite to the first side 183. The first side 183 and the second side184 of the head 180 can take on a wide variety of shapes and contours,none of which are limiting of the present invention. For example, thefirst and second sides 183, 184 can be planar, contoured or combinationsthereof. The first side 183 and second side 184 are joined by aperipheral or lateral side 146 of the head portion 140, which is aperipheral or lateral side 185 of the head 180. The oral care elements200 are located at, and extend outward from, the first side 183 of thehead 180 for contact with an oral surface, preferably teeth.

While the oral care elements 200 are particularly suited for cleaningteeth, the oral care elements can be used to clean oral soft tissue,such as a tongue, gums, or cheeks instead of or in addition to teeth. Asused herein, the term “oral care element” is used in a generic sense torefer to any structure that can be used to clean, massage or polish anoral surface, such as teeth or soft tissue, through relative surfacecontact.

Indeed, in a variation to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, insteadof plural tooth cleaning elements 200, there is instead provided onetooth cleaning element, at least one tooth polishing element, or atleast one soft tissue cleaning element.

At the second side 184 of the head 180 is located a soft tissue cleaner170. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the soft tissue cleaner 170comprises the resilient material 160. The resilient material 160comprises a pad 162 and a plurality of protrusions 164 that are unitarywith the pad 162. The pad 162 is attached to the head portion 140 of thebody 110 and has a surface. The plurality of protrusions 164 extend fromthe surface of the pad 162 so that distal ends of the protrusions 164are spaced from the surface of the pad 162. The resilient material 160may be an elastomeric material, such as an elastomer, a thermoplasticelastomer (TPE), or styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS).

As mentioned above, at the first longitudinal end 151 of the handle 150there is provided the hinge 300. The hinge 300 comprises first andsecond relatively-rotatable hinge components 301, 302, and a pin 303.The first and second hinge components 301, 302 have respective holestherethrough. The pin 303 is located in the holes of the first andsecond hinge components 301, 302, and one or both of the first andsecond hinge components 301, 302 is rotatable relative to the pin 303.In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 303 is fixed relative to thesecond hinge component 302, and the first hinge component 301 isrotatable relative to the pin 303 and relative to the second hingecomponent 302.

The first hinge component 301 is unitary with, i.e. is integrally formedwith, the body 110, whereas the second hinge component 302 is separatefrom the body 110 and from the first hinge component 301, and isassembled together with the first hinge component 301. Accordingly, thehandle 150 is at a first end 301 a of the first hinge component 301 andthe pin 303 is at a second end 301 b of the first hinge component 301.

The suction cup 400 is connected to the handle 150 via the hinge 300.The suction cup 400 is at a first end 302 a of the second hingecomponent 302 and the pin 303 is at a second end 302 b of the secondhinge component 302. The handle 150 and the suction cup 400 are separatecomponents assembled together with the hinge 300. It will be appreciatedfrom FIGS. 1 to 3 that a first distance between the hinge 300 and thesuction cup 400 is considerably less than 50% of a second distancebetween the hinge 300 and the head 180. The first distance is less 25%of the second distance. Indeed, the first distance is less 10% of thesecond distance.

The suction cup 400 is connected to the handle 150 via the hinge 300,whereby the handle 150, together with the head 180, is rotatablerelative to the suction cup 400, as can be understood through comparisonof FIGS. 1 and 3. In FIG. 1, the handle 150 is at a first positionrelative to the suction cup 400, whereas in FIGS. 2 and 3 the handle 150is at a second position relative to the suction cup 400, which secondposition is different from the first position.

The suction cup 400 defines a chamber 402 and comprises a rim 404defining an opening 403 of the chamber 402. When the rim 404 of thesuction cup 400 lies fully on a horizontal surface 5, the rim 404 ishorizontal and lies in a horizontal plane. This is the case, forexample, when the rim 404 is affixed to the horizontal surface 5 throughthe provision of a lower pressure inside the chamber 402 than outsidethe chamber 402. The suction cup 400 preferably is made of a flexiblematerial, and more preferably is made of a resilient material, such asan elastomeric material, an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE),or styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS). As will be understood bythe person skilled in the art, the suction cup 400 allows the toothbrush1 to be affixed to the horizontal surface 5, at least temporarily. Thetoothbrush 1 is affixed to the horizontal surface 5 by applying a forceto the toothbrush 1 in a direction toward the horizontal surface 5sufficient to deform the suction cup 400. The deformation forces air outfrom the chamber 402 through a gap between the suction cup 400 and thesurface 5. When the force is removed, there will be a natural tendencyfor the suction cup 400 to return to its non-deformed state, whichresults in slight movement of the suction cup 400 relative to thehorizontal surface 5, which in turn seals the gap and slightly increasesthe volume of the chamber 402 to create a partial vacuum therein. Thispartial vacuum creates a holding force that affixes the suction cup 400,and the rest of the toothbrush 1, to the horizontal surface 5. When auser wishes to detach the toothbrush 1 from the horizontal surface 5,they need only apply a force to the toothbrush 1 in a direction awayfrom the horizontal surface 5 sufficient to overcome the holding force.This would result in at least a portion of the rim 404 being lifted fromthe horizontal surface 5, which removes the partial vacuum in thechamber 402 and thus removes the holding force, so that the toothbrush 1can be moved away from the horizontal surface 5 without furtherhindrance.

When the rim 404 lies fully on the horizontal surface 5 and the handle150 is at the first position relative to the suction cup 400, thelongitudinal axis A-A of the handle 150 is substantially orthogonal tothe horizontal surface 5 and to the horizontal plane, as shown inFIG. 1. On the other hand, when the rim 404 lies fully on the horizontalsurface 5 and the handle 150 is at the second position relative to thesuction cup 400, the longitudinal axis A-A of the handle 150 issubstantially parallel to the horizontal surface 5 and to the horizontalplane, and the second side 184 of the head 180 faces the horizontalsurface 5, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The hinge 300 is specifically configured so that, when the rim 404 liesfully on the horizontal surface 5 and the handle 150 is at the firstposition relative to the suction cup 400, the hinge 300 stably supportsthe head 180 at a first predetermined position relative to thehorizontal surface 5, which is above and away from the horizontalsurface 5 and from the horizontal plane with the longitudinal axis A-Aof the handle 150 at a first predetermined angle to the horizontalsurface 5. The hinge 300 also is specifically configured so that, whenthe rim 404 lies fully on the horizontal surface 5 and the handle 150 isat the second position relative to the suction cup 400, the hinge 300stably supports the head 180 at a second predetermined position relativeto the horizontal surface 5, which is above and away from the horizontalsurface 5 and from the horizontal plane with the longitudinal axis A-Aof the handle 150 at a second predetermined angle to the horizontalsurface 5. More specifically, when the handle 150 is at the firstposition relative to the suction cup 400, the predetermined angle isapproximately 90 degrees to the horizontal surface 5, and when thehandle 150 is at the second position relative to the suction cup 400,the predetermined angle is approximately zero degrees to the horizontalsurface 5.

While alternative configurations of the hinge 300 to provide the stablesupport of the head 180 specifically by the hinge 300 will be apparentto the person skilled in the art, the stable support of the head 180specifically by the hinge 300 may be achieved through the shape ofcomponents of the hinge 300.

The configuration of the hinge 300 of the illustrated embodiment is suchthat the handle 150 and the suction cup 400 are in a more stablerelative state, and the toothbrush 1 as a whole is in a more stablestate, when the handle 150 is at either of the first and secondpositions relative to the suction cup 400, as compared to when thehandle 150 is at another position relative to the suction cup 400.

More specifically, the first hinge component 301 includes first andsecond stops 301 c, 301 d, and the second hinge component 302 includesfirst and second stops 302 c, 302 d. When the handle 150 is at the firstposition relative to the suction cup 400, the first stops 301 c, 302 cof the first and second hinge components 301, 302 contact each other toprevent movement of the handle 150 from the first position in adirection away from the second position. Similarly, when the handle 150is at the second position relative to the suction cup 400, the secondstops 301 d, 302 d of the first and second hinge components 301, 302contact each other to prevent movement of the handle 150 from the secondposition in a direction away from the first position.

The first and second relatively-rotatable hinge components 301, 302 areconfigured through their relative dimensions to permit relative rotationof the handle 150 and the suction cup 400 over only a predeterminedfinite angle of approximately 90 degrees, between the first and secondpositions. In variations to the illustrated embodiment, thepredetermined finite angle may be between 40 and 140 degrees, or between80 and 100 degrees, and the relative arrangement of the stops 301 c, 301d, 302 c, 302 d is adjusted accordingly.

In some embodiments, although not visible in the Figures, the pin 303may be of circular cross-sectional shape in a radial plane, while theshape of the hole in the first hinge component 301 is non-circular. Insuch embodiments, the shape of the hole in the first hinge component 301is such that, while the handle 150 is freely rotatable relative to thesuction cup 400 between the first and second positions, and ignoring theinfluence of gravity, a first force required to rotate the handle 150and the first hinge component 301 relative to the pin 303, second hingecomponent 302 and suction cup 400 from the first position to a thirdposition, between the first and second positions, is greater than asecond force required to rotate the handle 150 and the first hingecomponent 301 relative to the pin 303, second hinge component 302 andsuction cup 400 from the third position to the first position. In somesuch embodiments, the shape of the hole in the first hinge component 301is such that, ignoring the influence of gravity, a third force requiredto rotate the handle 150 and the first hinge component 301 relative tothe pin 303, second hinge component 302 and suction cup 400 from thesecond position to the third position is greater than a fourth forcerequired to rotate the handle 150 and the first hinge component 301relative to the pin 303, second hinge component 302 and suction cup 400from the third position to the second position.

The construction of the illustrated embodiment is in contrast to a (notillustrated) comparative oral care implement in which, while theimplement comprises a handle with a suction cup connected to a firstlongitudinal end of the handle via a hinge, the handle and the suctioncup are not in a more stable relative state, and the implement as awhole is not in a more stable state, when the handle is at a particularposition relative to the suction cup, as compared to when the handle isat another position relative to the suction cup. In such as comparativeexample, the hinge is not considered to be configured to stably supporta head of the implement, at a second longitudinal end of the handle, ata predetermined position relative to a horizontal surface, such as aboveand away from the horizontal surface, on which a rim of the suction cuplies fully, when a longitudinal axis of the handle is at a particularangle, such as orthogonal, to the horizontal surface. In such acomparative example, a slight knock to the implement when in such aconfiguration would more easily result in the handle, and thus the head,moving from that configuration through operation of the hinge, ascompared to the illustrated embodiment of the invention when in thestate shown in FIG. 1.

The oral care toothbrush 1 of the illustrated embodiment helps a userdispense dentifrice onto the head 180 of the toothbrush 1. When thetoothbrush 1 of the illustrated embodiment is in the state shown in FIG.1, the toothbrush 1 takes up minimal space on the horizontal surface 5,which may be the surface of a bathroom counter, and is in asubstantially stable position on the counter. The toothbrush 1 is in ayet more stable position on the counter when the rim 404 is affixed tothe horizontal surface 5 through the provision of a lower pressureinside the chamber 402 than outside the chamber 402, as discussed above.The suction cup 400 can be positioned on the surface 5 at a positionrelative to a sink such that, when the handle 150 is rotated relative tothe suction cup 400 by operation of the hinge 300, the head 180 is overthe sink and the toothbrush 1 still is held off the counter in asubstantially stable position. The user can then focus on aligning theopening of a dentifrice tube with the head 180 and subsequentlydispensing the dentifrice from the tube onto the head 180, withoutsimultaneously having to hold the toothbrush 1 steady. Any excessdentifrice can be allowed to fall into the sink, from where it caneasily be cleaned up. Once a desired volume of the dentifrice has beendispensed, the toothbrush 1 easily can be pulled away from the surface5, against the holding force that affixes the suction cup 400, and therest of the toothbrush 1, to the horizontal surface 5, for use in anoral care session.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show an oral care implement 2 according to anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Like reference numeralsused in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 4 to 6 indicate like components.

The oral care implement 2 of this embodiment is the same as the oralcare implement 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, except for the construction ofthe hinge 500, as compared to the hinge 300 of the oral care implement1. The oral care implement 2 may be varied as per the above-describedpossible variations to the oral care implement 1.

Similarly to the oral care implement 1 of FIGS. 1 to 3, the oral careimplement 2 of FIGS. 4 to 6 is a toothbrush generally comprising a head180, a handle 150, a hinge 500 and a an affixion device 400, comprisinga suction cup 400, for affixing the oral care implement 2 to ahorizontal surface. Each of the head 180, the handle 150 and the suctioncup 400 of the oral care implement 2 of FIGS. 4 to 6 is the same as thehead 180, the handle 150 and the suction cup 400 of the oral careimplement 1 of FIGS. 1 to 3, and so these components of the oral careimplement 2 will not be described in any detail for the sake ofconciseness.

In contrast to the hinge 300 of the oral care implement 1 of FIGS. 1 to3, the hinge 500 of the oral care toothbrush 2 of FIGS. 4 to 6 is abi-stable hinge 500. The hinge 500 is provided at the first longitudinalend 151 of the handle 150. All of the hinge 500 is unitary with, i.e. isintegrally formed with, the body 110 of the implement 1. The handle 150is at a first end 501 of the hinge 500 and the suction cup 400 is at asecond end 502 of the hinge 500. Accordingly, the suction cup 400 isconnected to the handle 150 via the hinge 500. The suction cup 400 is aseparate component to the combination of the body 110 and hinge 500. Itwill be appreciated from FIGS. 4 to 6 that a first distance between thehinge 500 and the suction cup 400 is considerably less than 50% of asecond distance between the hinge 500 and the head 180. The firstdistance is less 25% of the second distance. Indeed, the first distanceis less 10% of the second distance.

The suction cup 400 is connected to the handle 150 via the hinge 500,whereby the handle 150, together with the head 180, is rotatablerelative to the suction cup 400, as can be understood through comparisonof FIGS. 4 and 6. In FIG. 4, the handle 150 is at a first positionrelative to the suction cup 400, whereas in FIGS. 5 and 6 the handle 150is at a second position relative to the suction cup 400, which secondposition is different from the first position.

The hinge 500 is configured to permit relative rotation of the handle150 and the suction cup 400 over only a predetermined finite angle ofapproximately 90 degrees, between the first and second positions. Invariations to the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined finite anglemay be between 40 and 140 degrees, or between 80 and 100 degrees.

When the rim 404 lies fully on the horizontal surface 5 and the handle150 is at the first position relative to the suction cup 400, thelongitudinal axis A-A of the handle 150 is substantially orthogonal tothe horizontal surface 5 and to the horizontal plane, as shown in FIG.4. On the other hand, when the rim 404 lies fully on the horizontalsurface 5 and the handle 150 is at the second position relative to thesuction cup 400, the longitudinal axis A-A of the handle 150 issubstantially parallel to the horizontal surface 5 and to the horizontalplane, and the second side 184 of the head 180 faces the horizontalsurface 5, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The hinge 500 is specifically configured so that, when the rim 404 liesfully on the horizontal surface 5 and the handle 150 is at the firstposition relative to the suction cup 400, the hinge 500 stably supportsthe head 180 at a first predetermined position relative to thehorizontal surface 5, which is above and away from the horizontalsurface 5 and from the horizontal plane with the longitudinal axis A-Aof the handle 150 at a first predetermined angle to the horizontalsurface 5. The hinge 500 also is specifically configured so that, whenthe rim 404 lies fully on the horizontal surface 5 and the handle 150 isat the second position relative to the suction cup 400, the hinge 500stably supports the head 180 at a second predetermined position relativeto the horizontal surface 5, which is above and away from the horizontalsurface 5 and from the horizontal plane with the longitudinal axis A-Aof the handle 150 at a second predetermined angle to the horizontalsurface 5. More specifically, when the handle 150 is at the firstposition relative to the suction cup 400, the predetermined angle isapproximately 90 degrees to the horizontal surface 5, and when thehandle 150 is at the second position relative to the suction cup 400,the predetermined angle is approximately zero degrees to the horizontalsurface 5.

The stable support of the head 180 specifically by the hinge 500 isachieved through the bi-stable nature of the hinge 500. Theconfiguration of the hinge 500 of the illustrated embodiment is suchthat the handle 150 and the suction cup 400 are in a more stablerelative state, and the toothbrush 2 as a whole is in a more stablestate, when the handle 150 is at either of the first and secondpositions relative to the suction cup 400, as compared to when thehandle 150 is at another position relative to the suction cup 400.

While the handle 150 is freely rotatable relative to the suction cup 400between the first and second positions, and ignoring the influence ofgravity, a first force required to rotate the handle 150 relative to thesuction cup 400 from the first position to a third position, between thefirst and second positions, is greater than a second force required torotate the handle 150 relative to the suction cup 400 from the thirdposition to the first position. Similarly, ignoring the influence ofgravity, a third force required to rotate the handle 150 relative to thesuction cup 400 from the second position to the third position isgreater than a fourth force required to rotate the handle 150 relativeto the suction cup 400 from the third position to the second position.

The construction of the illustrated embodiment is in contrast to a (notillustrated) comparative oral care implement in which, while theimplement comprises a handle with a suction cup connected to a firstlongitudinal end of the handle via a hinge, the handle and the suctioncup are not in a more stable relative state, and the implement as awhole is not in a more stable state, when the handle is at a particularposition relative to the suction cup, as compared to when the handle isat another position relative to the suction cup. In such as comparativeexample, the hinge is not considered to be configured to stably supporta head of the implement, at a second longitudinal end of the handle, ata predetermined position relative to a horizontal surface, such as aboveand away from the a horizontal surface on which a rim of the suction cuplies fully, when a longitudinal axis of the handle is at a particularangle, such as orthogonal, to the horizontal surface. In such acomparative example, a slight knock to the implement when in such aconfiguration would more easily result in the handle, and thus the head,moving from that configuration through operation of the hinge, ascompared to the illustrated embodiment of the invention when in thestate shown in FIG. 4.

Similarly to the oral care implement 1 of FIGS. 1 to 3, the oral careimplement 2 of FIGS. 4 to 6 helps a user dispense dentifrice onto thehead 180 of the toothbrush 2. When the toothbrush 2 of the illustratedembodiment is in the state shown in FIG. 4, the toothbrush 2 takes upminimal space on the horizontal surface 5, which may be the surface of abathroom counter, and is in a substantially stable position on thecounter. The toothbrush 2 is in a yet more stable position on thecounter when the rim 404 is affixed to the horizontal surface 5 throughthe provision of a lower pressure inside the chamber 402 than outsidethe chamber 402, as discussed above. The suction cup 400 can bepositioned on the surface 5 at a position relative to a sink such that,when the handle 150 is rotated relative to the suction cup 400 byoperation of the hinge 500, the head 180 is over the sink and thetoothbrush 2 still is held off the counter in a substantially stableposition. The user can then focus on aligning the opening of adentifrice tube with the head 180 and subsequently dispensing thedentifrice from the tube onto the head 180, without simultaneouslyhaving to hold the toothbrush 2 steady. Any excess dentifrice can beallowed to fall into the sink, from where it can easily be cleaned up.Once a desired volume of the dentifrice has been dispensed, thetoothbrush 2 easily can be pulled away from the surface 5, against theholding force that affixes the suction cup 400, and the rest of thetoothbrush 2, to the horizontal surface 5, for use in an oral caresession.

While in each of the above-described embodiments the affixion devicecomprises a suction cup, in respective variations to each of theembodiments the affixion device may comprise an alternative device foraffixing the oral care implement to a horizontal surface, preferablyrepeatedly, such as an adhesive pad, e.g. a pad with adhesive appliedthereon. A removable layer or film of material may cover the adhesive onthe pad to protect the adhesive prior to use.

In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 4 to 6, thesuction cup 400 and the hinge 300, 500 are non-detachably connected tothe handle 150. In variations to these embodiments, and in accordancewith another aspect of the invention, there is provided an oral caresystem comprising first and second devices. The first device comprises ahandle and a head at an end of the handle, and may be amanually-operated oral care implement, such as a manually-operatedtoothbrush, or a powered oral care implement, such as a poweredtoothbrush. The second device comprises an affixion device, such as asuction cup, a connector detachably connectable to the first device, anda hinge connecting the affixion device to the connector.

The handle and head of the first device may be the same as the handle150 and head 180 of the two illustrated oral care implements 1, 2.Moreover, the suction cup may be the same as the suction cup 400 of thetwo illustrated oral care implements 1, 2. Furthermore, the hinge may bythe same as either of the hinges 300, 500 of the two illustrated oralcare implements 1, 2, except that the hinge of the second device is notnon-detachably connected to the handle 150. The connector of the seconddevice may be detachably connectable to any part of the handle 150, butpreferably the connector of the second device is detachably connectableto the first longitudinal end 151 of the handle 150.

In one embodiment of such an oral care system, the hinge is configuredso that, when the connector is connected to the first device, the handleis rotatable relative to the suction cup to a position at which, whenthe rim lies fully on a horizontal surface, for example when the rim ofthe suction cup is affixed to the horizontal surface through theprovision of a lower pressure inside the chamber of the suction cup thanoutside the chamber, the hinge stably supports the head at apredetermined position relative to the horizontal surface, such as aboveand away from the horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the hinge isa bi-stable hinge like the hinge 500 of the oral care implement 2 ofFIGS. 4 to 6. In other embodiments, the hinge is of the form describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, except that the first hinge component isunitary with, i.e. is integrally formed with, the connector, whereas thesecond hinge component is separate from the connector, is assembledtogether with the first hinge component, and connects the suction cup tothe first hinge component.

In some embodiments of such an oral care system, the hinge is configuredso that, when the connector is connected to the first device, the handleis rotatable relative to the suction cup to a position at which, whenthe rim lies fully on the horizontal surface, the hinge stably supportsthe head at a predetermined position relative to the horizontal surface,such as above and away from the horizontal surface, with a longitudinalaxis of the handle at a predetermined angle to the horizontal surface.For example, the hinge may be configured so that, when the connector isconnected to the first device, the handle is rotatable relative to thesuction cup to a first position at which, when the rim lies fully on thehorizontal surface, the hinge stably supports the head at apredetermined position relative to the horizontal surface, such as aboveand away from the horizontal surface, with the longitudinal axis of thehandle substantially orthogonal to the horizontal surface. The hinge mayalternatively or additionally be configured so that, when the connectoris connected to the first device, the handle is rotatable relative tothe suction cup to a second position at which, when the rim lies fullyon the horizontal surface, the hinge stably supports the head at apredetermined position relative to the horizontal surface, such as aboveand away from the horizontal surface, with the longitudinal axis of thehandle substantially parallel to the horizontal surface and the secondside of the head facing the horizontal surface. In some embodiments, thehinge is configured to permit relative rotation of the handle and thesuction cup over only a predetermined finite angle, e.g. between suchfirst and second positions. The predetermined finite angle may bebetween 40 and 140 degrees, between 80 and 100 degrees, or approximately90 degrees.

In some embodiments of such an oral care system, when the connector isconnected to the first device, the handle is freely rotatable relativeto the suction cup between a first position and a second position, suchas the first and second positions discussed in the preceding paragraph.In some such embodiments, when ignoring the influence of gravity andwhen the connector is connected to the first device, a first forcerequired to rotate the handle relative to the suction cup from the firstposition to a third position, between the first and second positions, isgreater than a second force required to rotate the handle relative tothe suction cup from the third position to the first position.Similarly, when ignoring the influence of gravity and when the connectoris connected to the first device, a third force required to rotate thehandle relative to the suction cup from the second position to the thirdposition is greater than a fourth force required to rotate the handlerelative to the suction cup from the third position to the secondposition.

Such oral care systems are usable to help a user dispense dentifriceonto the head of the first device, in much the same way as the oral careimplements of FIGS. 1 to 6. The rim of the suction cup may remainaffixed to a horizontal surface, which may be the surface of a bathroomcounter, through the provision of a lower pressure inside the chamberthan outside the chamber, during periods of non-use of the system.Moreover, during periods of non-use of the system, the connector of thesecond device may either remain connected to the first device, or thefirst and second devices may remain unconnected. In either case, when itis desired to use the system, it is ensured that the connector isconnected to the first device. The handle is then rotated relative tothe suction cup by operation of the hinge, e.g. to place the handle withthe longitudinal axis of the handle parallel to the horizontal surface.The user can then focus on aligning the opening of a dentifrice tubewith the head and subsequently dispensing the dentifrice from the tubeonto the head, without simultaneously having to hold the first devicesteady. Once a desired volume of the dentifrice has been dispensed, thefirst device can be disconnected from the second device, bydisconnecting the connector from the first device, for use in an oralcare session.

While in each of the above-described embodiments the affixion devicecomprises a suction cup, in respective variations to each of theembodiments the affixion device may comprise an alternative device foraffixing the second device to a horizontal surface, preferablyrepeatedly, such as an adhesive pad, e.g. a pad with adhesive appliedthereon. A removable layer or film of material may cover the adhesive onthe pad to protect the adhesive prior to use.

In variations to each of the described specific embodiments, the suctioncup may take a different form to that described, preferably so long asthe suction cup defines a chamber and comprises a rim defining anopening of the chamber.

1. An oral care implement, comprising: a handle; a head at an end of thehandle, the head comprising at least one oral care element; and anaffixion device connected to the handle via a hinge, wherein theaffixion device is for affixing the oral care implement to a horizontalsurface; wherein the hinge is configured so that the handle is rotatablerelative to the affixion device to a position at which, when theaffixion device affixes the oral care implement to a horizontal surface,the hinge stably supports the head at a predetermined position relativeto the horizontal surface.
 2. The oral care implement of claim 1,wherein the hinge is configured so that the handle is rotatable relativeto the affixion device to a position at which, when the affixion deviceaffixes the oral care implement to the horizontal surface, the hingestably supports the head at a predetermined position relative to thehorizontal surface with a longitudinal axis of the handle at apredetermined angle to the horizontal surface.
 3. (canceled) 4.(canceled)
 5. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the hinge isconfigured so that the handle is rotatable relative to the affixiondevice to a position at which, when the affixion device affixes the oralcare implement to the horizontal surface, the hinge stably supports thehead at a predetermined position relative to the horizontal surface withthe longitudinal axis of the handle substantially orthogonal to thehorizontal surface; wherein the hinge is also configured so that thehandle is rotatable relative to the affixion device to a position atwhich, when the affixion device affixes the oral care implement to thehorizontal surface, the hinge stably supports the head at apredetermined position relative to the horizontal surface with thelongitudinal axis of the handle substantially parallel to the horizontalsurface; wherein: when the handle is at the position relative to theaffixion device at which the hinge stably supports the head at apredetermined position relative to the horizontal surface with thelongitudinal axis of the handle substantially orthogonal to thehorizontal surface, the handle is at a first position relative to theaffixion device, and when the handle is at the position relative to theaffixion device at which the hinge stably supports the head at apredetermined position relative to the horizontal surface with thelongitudinal axis of the handle substantially parallel to the horizontalsurface, the handle is at a second position relative to the affixiondevice, wherein the hinge is configured to permit relative rotation ofthe handle and the affixion device over only a predetermined finiteangle.
 6. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein the affixiondevice comprises a suction cup defining a chamber and comprising a rimdefining an opening of the chamber, and wherein the hinge is configuredso that the handle is rotatable relative to the suction cup to aposition at which, when the rim is affixed to the horizontal surfacethrough the provision of lower pressure inside the chamber than outsidethe chamber, the hinge stably supports the head at a predeterminedposition relative to the horizontal surface.
 7. The oral care implementof claim 1, wherein the head has a first side and a second side oppositethe first side, wherein the at least one oral care element is located atthe first side of the head, and wherein the hinge is configured so thatthe handle is rotatable relative to the affixion device to a position atwhich, when the affixion device affixes the oral care implement to ahorizontal surface, the hinge stably supports the head at apredetermined position relative to the horizontal surface with thesecond side of the head facing the horizontal surface.
 8. The oral careimplement of claim 1, wherein the handle is freely rotatable relative tothe affixion device between the position and another position.
 9. Theoral care implement of claim 1, wherein a first force required to rotatethe handle relative to the affixion device from the position to anotherposition is greater than a second force required to rotate the handlerelative to the affixion device from the other position to the position.10. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein the hinge is a bi-stablehinge.
 11. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein the predeterminedposition is above and away from the horizontal surface.
 12. An oral careimplement, comprising: a handle; a head at an end of the handle, thehead comprising at least one oral care element; and an affixion deviceconnected to the handle via a bi-stable hinge, wherein the affixiondevice is for affixing the oral care implement to a horizontal surface.13. The oral care implement of claim 12, wherein the hinge is configuredso that the handle is rotatable relative to the affixion device to aposition at which, when the affixion device affixes the oral careimplement to a horizontal surface, the hinge stably supports the head ata predetermined position relative to the horizontal surface.
 14. Theoral care implement of claim 13, wherein the hinge is configured so thatthe handle is rotatable relative to the affixion device to a firstposition at which, when the affixion device affixes the oral careimplement to the horizontal surface, the hinge stably supports the headat a predetermined position relative to the horizontal surface with alongitudinal axis of the handle substantially orthogonal to thehorizontal surface, and so that the handle is rotatable relative to theaffixion device to a second position at which, when the affixion deviceaffixes the oral care implement to the horizontal surface, the hingestably supports the head at a predetermined position relative to thehorizontal surface with the longitudinal axis of the handlesubstantially parallel to the horizontal surface.
 15. The oral careimplement of claim 10, wherein the head has a first side and a secondside opposite the first side, wherein the at least one oral care elementis located on the first side of the head, and wherein the hinge isconfigured so that the handle is rotatable relative to the suction cupto a position at which, when the affixion device affixes the oral careimplement to the horizontal surface, the hinge stably supports the headat a predetermined position relative to the horizontal surface with thesecond side of the head facing the horizontal surface.
 16. The oral careimplement of claim 11, wherein the predetermined position is above andaway from the horizontal surface.
 17. The oral care implement of claim10, wherein the hinge is configured to permit relative rotation of thehandle and the affixion device over only a predetermined finite angle ofbetween 40 and 140 degrees.
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. The oralcare implement of claim 12, wherein the handle has a longitudinal axis,the hinge is at a first longitudinal end of the handle, and the head isat a second longitudinal end of the handle.
 21. The oral care implementof claim 12, wherein a first distance between the hinge and the affixiondevice is less than 50% of a second distance between the hinge and thehead.
 22. The oral care implement of claim 12, wherein the oral careimplement is a toothbrush and the affixion device comprises a suctioncup.
 23. (canceled)
 24. The oral care implement of claim 22, wherein thesuction cup defines a chamber and comprises a rim defining an opening ofthe chamber, and wherein the hinge is configured so that the handle isrotatable relative to the suction cup to a position at which, when therim lies fully on the horizontal surface, the hinge stably supports thehead at a predetermined position relative to the horizontal surface. 25.An oral care system, comprising: a first device comprising a handle anda head at an end of the handle, the head comprising at least one oralcare element; and a second device comprising an affixion device foraffixing the second device to a horizontal surface, a connectordetachably connectable to the first device, and a hinge connecting theaffixion device to the connector, wherein the handle has a longitudinalaxis, the connector is detachably connectable to a first longitudinalend of the handle, and the head is at a second longitudinal end of thehandle. 26-38. (canceled)